New Zealand bowl against England in first Test

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum won the toss and elected to field against England in the first Test at Lord's on Thursday.

Despite blue skies above Lord's, McCullum opted to give his bowlers first use of a green-tinged pitch, doubtless hoping they could exploit any lingering moisture following recent rain in the first of this two-Test series.

England gave debuts to Yorkshire opening batsman Adam Lyth and Durham paceman Mark Wood.

Lyth replaced Jonathan Trott, now retired from international cricket, and Wood came in for Chris Jordan as in the only two changes to the side that lost the third Test against the West Indies by five wickets in Barbados earlier this month.

England's side included all-rounder Ben Stokes, son of former New Zealand rugby league international Ged Stokes.
New Zealand gave a Test debut to fast bowler Matt Henry while in-form opener Martin Guptill was recalled for his first Test since New Zealand's 2-0 series loss in England two years ago.

This match was the 100th Test between England and New Zealand.

The Black Caps have won just eight of the previous 99, compared to England's 47, with 44 draws.

New Zealand have also managed just four wins in 52 Tests in England, with only two series victories -- in 1986 and 1999.

England: Alastair Cook (capt), Adam Lyth, Gary Ballance, Ian Bell, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (wkt), Moeen Ali, Stuart Broad, Mark Wood, James Anderson

New Zealand: Tom Latham, Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Brendon McCullum (capt), Corey Anderson, BJ Watling (wkt), Mark Craig, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Trent Boult

Umpires: S Ravi (IND), Marais Erasmus (RSA)

TV umpire: Rod Tucker (AUS)

Match referee: David Boon (AUS)
Source: AFP